Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding.

I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... It was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.

Thinking of visiting Oxford?

Allow me to be your guide... and discover the history of Oxford with an Oxford historian.

I offer a wide range of guided walks around the city and university. These can be a general introduction to the history and architecture or looking at specific themes and subjects.

About Me

I am a Catholic and a historian based in Oxford, where I am a member of Oriel College. My research, for a long delayed D.Phil., is a study of Richard Fleming, Bishop of Lincoln in the second decade of the fifteenth century. I also work as a freelance tutor in History and as an independent tour guide.
I was received into the Church in 2005 and am a Brother of the External Oratory of St Philip Neri at the Oxford Oratory.

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Monday, 6 July 2015

The Royal Christening in 1537

With yesterday's very traditional christening by modern standards, of Princess Charlotte of Cambridge at Sandringham in mind, and thanks to the Special Correspondent, I can reproduce this article from last April's online Newsletter from the College of Arms.

The Baptism of King Edward VI

The archives of the College of Arms include unique records of the baptism at Hampton Court of Edward VI on 15 October 1537. These records were the basis of a BBC television programme, called 'A Night to Remember', broadcast on 10 January 2015, which recreated the baptism and its processions, guided by the historians Dr Lucy Worsley and Dr David Starkey. Peter O'Donoghue, York Herald, assisted in the research and appeared in the programme, both as an expert in discussions with Dr Starkey, and playing a Tudor herald in the recreated procession.

Illustrated is an image from a College of Arms manuscript illustrating the procession to the chapel. The drawings were probably created in the 1560s and the costumes here reflect the fashions of that time rather than of the 1530s.